Last weekend my wife Jessica and I along with friends Ben and Liz made the short drive up to Solana Beach to eat lunch at Pizza Port. In the past five years that Jessica and I have worked (and often times lived) in separate states, I can't recall a single reunion in San Diego that did not include at least one trip to Pizza Port. One of the main reasons for this is the world class beer they serve on draft.

Last weekend we sampled a pitcher of a Scottish Ale, then another of Pale and Jessica (who hates and fears hops with a passion) sampled a glass of Belgian ale. All very tasty, all excellent complements to Jessica and my personal favorite pizza: cheese.

With over a decade of trips to Pizza Port (and some of the larger breweries around San Diego) I have to say that Pizza Port in Solana Beach has retained its goodness while many others lost their appeal.

Rock Bottom La Jolla is another staple, and is perhaps our most frequently visited brewery in all of San Diego. Despite being part of a multi-state chain of restaurants, the La Jolla brewery puts out some seriously awesome beer. If I recall correctly, the master brewer studied chemistry at UCSD, and managed to transform all of that knowledge into fantastic beer recipes, especially when it comes to special beers. Hands down, RBLJ consistently puts out some of the most drinkable and interesting specialty beers around.

So what is next? Alesmith!! I have only begun to sample what they have to offer, but so far the quality of their beers and the low-key relaxed atmosphere of their tasting room have me very keen.